Gib Nickels

GILBERT "Gib" L. NICKELS, age 88, of Elburn, passed away peacefully, Friday March 29, 2013, at Presence McAuley Manor in Aurora. He was born July 18, 1924, the son of N.M. and Ada B. (Benton) Nickels in Aurora, IL.Gib grew up on the Benton Family Farm on Lorang Rd. where he attended Kaneville Schools. It was the farm that held his heart and with his schooling finished, he went back to the farm to tend the fields with his father. In January of 1944, Gib enlisted in the United States Marine Corp and faithfully served his country in the South Pacific as a corporal. He was honorably discharged in May of 1946. Upon returning to civilian life, Gib continued to work for his father for the next four years before taking over the family business. In 1991, Gib retired from farming and with the farm sold he spent his time helping his friends with their fields but more often he just enjoyed the passing of days. In January of 1951, Gib was united in marriage to Elsie B. Gehringer in Indiana. They began their new life together back on the farm that Gib owned. They cherished the time they were given but in January of 1978, Elsie passed away following her battle with Leukemia. In February of 1981, Gib once again found his best friend and companion in Louise Penrod, with whom he would spend more than 30 years making a life and a lifetime of memories together. Gib loved the game of baseball and even spent a number of years coaching in the local area. He passed on the knowledge and passion for the game to those he coached. For twenty years Gib and his brother K. B. ran Nickels Flyers Pigeon Club. Gib also spent time golfing, playing cards, and playing pool. When he wasn’t passing time with all of his favorite activities, you often found Gib socializing at the local taverns. One daughter: Kathleen (Jack) Culbertson of Sawyer, MI;Two sons: Jeffrey G. (Peggy) Nickels of Plano, IL and Jim Gehringer of Leland, IL;One daughter-in-law: Charlene Gehringer of IL;Four grandchildren:Kyle, Randy, Jill, and Becky.Many nieces and nephews and a family of friends.He is preceded by his first wife Elsie Nickels, one son Gerald Gehringer, one daughter-in-law Joanne Gehringer,one granddaughter Tamberline Jo Gehringer, his brother K.B. (Leota) Nickels, and his sisters Norine (Wayne) Florence and Jean Nickels.Visitation will be Tuesday April 2, 2013 from 3-7pm at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn. A funeral service celebrating Gib’s life will be Wednesday April 3, 2013 at 10am with a second visitation beginning at 9 until the time of service at the funeral home. Rev. Mark Harkness, pastor of Kaneville United Methodist Church, will officiate. Burial and military honors will follow at Kaneville Cemetery. In honor of Gib’s love for casual attire, the family requests that casual attire be worn for both the visitation and funeral service. Traditional funeral attire is not required. A memorial has been established in his name to benefit the Elburn American Legion Post 630: Checks may be made to the "Elburn American Legion Post 630" and mailed in care of the Nickels Family P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address or on the web at www.conleycare.com.

Visitation will be Tuesday April 2, 2013 from 3-7pm at Conley Funeral Home, 116 W. Pierce St., Elburn. A funeral service celebrating Gib’s life will be Wednesday April 3, 2013 at 10am with a second visitation beginning at 9 until the time of service at the funeral home. Rev. Mark Harkness, pastor of Kaneville United Methodist Church, will officiate. Burial and military honors will follow at Kaneville Cemetery.